Exeter Science Park Centre named Project of the Year in prestigious property awards

The Exeter Science Park Centre, designed by LHC Architecture + Urbanism, has been named Project of the Year with a value between £2-7 million at the annual Michelmores Property Awards.

The iconic, multi-tenanted building at the heart of the Exeter Science Park opened in June 2015 and has since become home to a range of science and technology based fast growth businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The three-storey, BREEAM Excellent building offers tenants a flexible working space, with virtual services, co-working and hot desking spaces and a diverse range of offices and laboratories.

Designed by a team from LHC’s Exeter Design Studio, led by John Baulch, Bruce Jordon and Ian Noakes, the building has acted as a catalyst for the wider Science Park. It’s contemporary exterior, high quality internal finish, flexible accommodation and advanced technical infrastructure have set the standard for all future buildings on the Park.

The design and spirit of the building aims to bring people together, giving them the opportunity to meet, collaborate and innovate in beautifully designed surroundings. With a contemporary designed café, high specification conference suite, meeting rooms and social and open space, the Centre has become a hive of activity for budding businesses.

LHC were appointed to provide a detailed masterplan for the first phase of the Science Park. The Science Park Centre is the second building to open on the Park, following the award-winning Eagle House, also designed by LHC. The team has also recently submitted plans for two further ‘Grow On’ buildings within the same cluster, and designed initial concepts for the highly-contemporary proposed new home of Exeter City Futures.

LHC Group Director John Baulch said: “The Science Park Centre is at the very heart of the Science Park and therefore needed to be an inspiring and innovative space that created a fast-paced and fun environment where ideas can grow. What has been delivered is an exemplar of sustainability, technology and flexibility working hand in hand to provide a dynamic workplace where businesses can flourish. We are thrilled that it has been recognised as Project of the Year with a value of £2-7 million and look forward to an ongoing relationship with all at the Science Park.”

Judges commented on the Science Park Centre, stating: “This is truly inspiring project that is immensely important for Exeter, demonstrating the importance of technology. The flexibility of what it provides will surely attract businesses to develop at the park and lead the way in what will be an extremely successful venture.”

Mark Williams, East Devon District Council’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re thrilled to see the Exeter Science Park Centre win this award. It’s welcome acknowledgement that puts East Devon on the map as the place that delivers good growth, attracting high quality jobs and investment."

The building of the Science Park Centre has been made possible with shareholder equity from Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, the University of Exeter; the Heart of the South West LEP which committed £4.5m loan from the Growing Places Fund; and a £1 million grant from the Regional Growth Fund.

For more information about LHC visit www.lhc.net or follow @LHCArchitecture.